Dattatraya urges Centre to provide drought relief to Telangana

Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatraya called on Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday and appraised him of the severe drought conditions in Telangana State.

The Agriculture Minister was briefed 231 Mandals of the State of Telangana are affected by severe drought. The State Government has also sought relief of 1300 crores.

Radha Mohan Singh informed that a Central Team visited the State of Telangana and submitted its report assessing the damage to the tune of Rs.3000 crores. He discussed the issue with the officials of his Ministry who were directed to prepare the report and send it to Ministry of Home Affairs, immediately within two days so that the High Level Committee headed by the Minister meets and decide on relief package.

Dattatraya also spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and appraised him of the severe drought conditions, who promised to release the relief package, as soon as he gets the report from the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Agriculture Minister also informed that the NDA Government has given more relief from the UPA Government as can be seen from relief given to Karnataka Rs.1450 crores and Madhya Pradesh Rs.2200 crores. He promised to give more relief to the State of Telangana. He also stated that the existing norms for giving of input subsidy have been changed and more relief can be given.

Dattatraya stated that he would discuss the issues relating to cotton farmers with the Agriculture and Commerce Ministers to find a solution.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Minister also promised to come to Hyderabad on 7th January to lay the foundation for Horticulture University. (INN)